Amanda claimed she saw ‘red flags’ in the rehearsal room and ‘shut down’ as a result
AMANDA Abbington has made the sensational claim that some of her ‘bullying’ ordeal on Strictly Come Dancing was of a ‘sexual nature’.
In an explosive sit down with Channel 4 news tonight, Amanda opens up on her exit from the BBC show after she raised concerns with bosses about her treatment by pro dancer Giovanni Pernice.
7
Amanda Abbington has opened up in an interview with Channel 4Credit: Channel 4 News
7
The Sherlock actress breaks down in tears during the sit downCredit: Channel 4 News
7
She has said some of the ‘bullying’ was of a ‘sexual nature’Credit: Channel 4 News
7
Amanda also choked up as she discussed the death threats she receivedCredit: Channel 4 News
During the interview, news anchor Krishnan-Guru Murthy said: “I heard, not from you, from somebody else, about an instance of, I suppose you’d call it humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature, is that right?”
An emotional Amanda replied: “Yeah. I mean, you know, one of the many things.”
Amanda admitted that she could not go into the full details about the nature of what she allegedly suffered as it is still under investigation.
‘I recognised the red flags’
She did however shine more of a light about what went on in the rehearsal room.
Talking about the nature of the ‘abuse’, she added: “It was unnecessary and when stuff was getting thrown at me I’d shut down because I’ve been in abusive situations before in the past so I recognised the red flags, so I’d shut down and wouldn’t be able to do it because I felt attacked, not literally attacked.”
Hitting back at trolls who, she says, branded her a “snow flake” and sent her and her family death threats, Amanda insisted: “I go into anything wanting to work hard. I have a strong work ethic, the fact that people think I’m lazy and ‘she didn’t know what she was letting herself in for’. Yes, I did, of course I did, I know what I was letting myself in, but I didn’t know I was letting myself in for that.”
She also added that she is confident her complaint will be upheld, and that six other Strictly stars came forward before her.
SIX other stars came forward
The Sherlock actress explained: “If it had just been me coming out saying all this stuff, I can understand why people go, ‘Oh God’, but there were five or six other people previously to me who had the same experience.”
Amanda also slammed the BBC for not giving her enough aftercare, saying she didn’t hear from anyone after the scandal became public.
She also claims that, contrary to reports she snubbed the live final of the show, she wasn’t invited.
“I got several messages afterwards from some of the producers, just checking in to see how I was,” she said.
“But then when all the fallout happened, and then everybody started piling on and the death threats came in, and they were reported in the press and all the misinformation went out there. I didn’t really hear from anybody again.”
Asked if there was any aftercare provided, she responded: “No, it would have been nice I suppose.”
Final ‘snub’
On the topic of the final, she claimed: “I was never asked back to the final, and I read a headline saying I snubbed the final.
7
Amanda exited the series early on ‘medical grounds’Credit: Pixel8000
7
Giovanni walked away from the show back in MayCredit: PA
“I didn’t snub a final. Nobody ever contacted me again to be back in that show. Not that I probably would have been able to go back.
“But the idea that I snubbed it because I’ve made some wonderful friends on that show, and the people, contestants and some of the other dancers were just joyful. I didn’t snub anybody. I left that show with my head held high.”
Amanda also reiterated her claims that Giovanni is blocking the release of rehearsal footage, saying there is FIFTY hours recorded.
There is evidence out there of what happened in that room and I’m not the one who’s blocking it. I’ve said anyone can watch it, but he (Giovanni) doesn’t want anyone to see it,” she insisted.
Caught on tape
Asked what the footage shows, she elaborated: “It’s bullying and it’s aggressive behaviour, there were other things that were very upsetting, that you manage in the room at the time, because you’re a woman, and you have to manage those things because otherwise, what do you do?”
A BBC spokesperson said in response: “Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further on individuals.
“However, when issues are raised with us we always take them extremely seriously and have appropriate processes in place to manage this. As we have said before, we would urge people not to indulge in speculation.
“More generally, the BBC and BBC Studios takes duty of care extremely seriously. Our processes on Strictly Come Dancing are updated every year, they are kept under constant review and last week we announced additional steps to further strengthen welfare and support on the show.“
Giovanni responds
In a statement Giovanni Pernice’s spokesperson said: “We are cooperating fully with the BBC’s review process. All parties have been asked to respect this process and to not speak to the media before it concludes.
“We will continue to respect the integrity of the investigation and believe it is the right forum for all the evidence to be reviewed.
“As part of the evidence-led review, the BBC has shared the allegations they have been able to substantiate with us.
“They do not resemble Amanda’s latest allegations, given to Channel 4, in any shape or form. Giovanni refutes any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour, and having provided the BBC with his evidence, is confident that the review will prove this.”
Watch the full interview on Channel 4 News tonight at 7pm
7
Graziano Di Prima has also been axed over his treatment of Zara McDermottCredit: BBC
<.
News
I’M DONE WITH YOU! Harry Shocks With Rage As Meghan Pack All Her Bags And Leave Montecito At 7Am
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent argument in Montecito has ignited intense public and media scrutiny. Witnesses reported a heated exchange, with Meghan hastily packing her belongings and leaving at 2 a.m., while Harry was heard shouting, “I’m done with…
SHE ASKED ME TO DESTROY HER! Meg TERRIFIED As Anne Honours Queen Last WISH To Destroy Netflix Act
In her final days, Queen Elizabeth II made one last request of her only daughter, Princess Anne. The aging monarch was deeply concerned about the damage being done to the royal family’s reputation by Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke…
THAT WASN’T ARCHIE! Arthur Edwards EXPOSES Meghan’s 4 Year Secret About Staged Photo Of Fake Archie
The Royal Baby Photo Call: A Storm of Controversy Brews The birth of Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first child, was a momentous occasion, eagerly anticipated by the world. However, the public introduction of their newborn son at…
HOW DARE YOU! Kate REOPENS Meghan SLAPP!NG Case Of Princess Charlotte & Files LawSuit After CBS Talk
The simmering feud between the Sussexes and the Royal Family has erupted into a full-blown war, with the Palace launching a blistering counter-attack against Meghan Markle’s claims of being bullied. In a stunning reversal of the narrative, the Palace has…
TRAGIC EVENT! Meghan & Harry To SELL £11M Mansion As They Are Chased Out By Montecito Neighbors
The gates of the sprawling $11 million Montecito estate swung open as the black SUV sped out, leaving the luxurious property behind in a cloud of dust. Inside the vehicle, the driver’s knuckles were white as they gripped the steering…
Meghan Gets OFFENDED by Jane Pauley Questions about Her Kids On CBS Sunday Morning Interview.
Meghan Markle’s recent interview with Jane Pauley on CBS has reignited controversy, particularly due to her visibly uncomfortable reaction to questions about her children. This incident has sparked renewed debate about the legitimacy of her family, with speculation growing over…
End of content
No more pages to load